BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 21, 2023
The town of Bar Harbor is investigating what it says was an “unauthorized” cruise ship visit to the town last week. The American Cruise Lines vessel Constitution, which can carry 170 guests, anchored in the town’s waters on Thursday, June 15. The ship did not have a confirmed reservation when it appeared in Bar Harbor, they said. “American Cruise Lines knowingly took this action over the express objections of the Town and in violation of the Memorandum of Agreement,” the town said in a statement. The alleged unauthorized visit comes at a time when cruise ship visitation has become a hot-button political issue in Bar Harbor, pitting residents who say that cruise ship visits harm the local quality of life against business interests who say that cruise ship visits have become a significant part of the town’s tourist industry and should not be drastically cut back.